Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe

If you love soft, chewy cookies with a hint of nuttiness, these Pistachio Pudding Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. With a vibrant green hue and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply indulging in a sweet snack. Bonus: they’re easy to make and customizable with white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for extra flavor and crunch!

What Are Pistachio Pudding Cookies?

Pistachio Pudding Cookies are made using instant pistachio pudding mix, which gives them their signature softness, subtle nutty flavor, and a gorgeous green color. These cookies are ideal for festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas, but they’re so delicious you’ll want to bake them year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy: The pudding mix ensures an irresistible texture.
• Easy to Make: Perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios.
• Festive and Fun: Their vibrant color makes them stand out at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (3.4 oz or 96 g) box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (175 g) white chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pistachios (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the pistachio pudding mix until fully combined.

Combining Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. If desired, fold in white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios for added flavor and texture.

Shaping and Baking

6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter alongside other colorful treats. They’re also great as part of a holiday gift box!

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing Instructions

• Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the chopped pistachios for a nut-free version.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flaxseed eggs. Use vegan white chocolate chips or skip them entirely.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

FAQs

Can I use regular pistachios instead of pudding mix?
The pudding mix is essential for the texture and flavor, but you can add regular pistachios for extra nuttiness.

Why are my cookies flat?
This can happen if your butter is too soft or the dough hasn’t chilled. Try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Pistachio Pudding Cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with nutty goodness. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just to satisfy a cookie craving, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and let us know how it turns out—happy baking!

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